Synopsis
New York Governor Kathy Hochul has mandated a five-day closure of live poultry markets in New York City and nearby counties to prevent the spread of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI). Routine checks found multiple cases, prompting proactive health measures.Key Takeaways
- Live poultry markets in NYC and nearby counties closed for 5 days.
- Seven HPAI cases reported in Queens, Bronx, and Brooklyn.
- Public health risk deemed low, no human cases found.
- Precautions recommended for those in contact with birds.
- 67 human cases of bird flu reported in the US since April 2024.
New York, Feb 7 (NationPress) Governor Kathy Hochul of New York has declared a temporary closure of live poultry markets in New York City as well as in Westchester, Suffolk, and Nassau counties for a duration of five days to address the escalating threat of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI).
These markets have been instructed to deplete all existing stock and carry out thorough cleaning and disinfection protocols.
Routine surveillance conducted since January 31 has uncovered seven instances of HPAI in markets located in the boroughs of Queens, The Bronx, and Brooklyn, as stated in a release from the New York State government.
“Although there is currently no direct risk to public health and no confirmed cases of HPAI affecting humans in New York State, we endorse the Department of Agriculture and Markets' recent proactive actions aimed at curtailing the transmission of the disease between animals and humans by temporarily closing live bird markets in New York City and its neighboring counties,” commented James McDonald, the State Health Commissioner.
Individuals frequently interacting with livestock and wild birds should take precautions by utilizing personal protective equipment when engaging with these animals, as reported by the Xinhua news agency.
Since April 2024, the US Centres for Disease Control and Prevention has reported 67 human cases of bird flu along with one fatality linked to the virus in the United States.
Bird flu, also referred to as avian influenza A (H5N1) or highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), is a viral infection that can lead to severe illness and mortality in birds and mammals. Although human infections from bird flu viruses are uncommon, they can occur when the virus enters an individual’s eyes, nose, or mouth, or is breathed in.
Individuals who are in close proximity to birds or other animals infected with the avian flu virus face a heightened risk of illness. This group includes those employed in various environments such as farms, including small-scale or hobby farms, zoos, or other wildlife facilities, as noted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
